Focal Plane Packaging Engineer I

Job Description
We are seeking a Focal Plane Packaging Engineer to help create the "eyes" of the next generation of space payloads by developing and building state-of-the-art electro-optical (EO) focal plane subsystems for space-based applications. In this role, you will execute advanced, precision assembly and microelectronic packaging processes for focal planes that operate at the intersection of optical physics, advanced materials science, high-speed electronics, and cryogenic thermal management. Success requires cross-disciplinary integration across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical interfaces, as well as rigorous adherence to quality and configuration-control standards. The selected candidate will work in a highly controlled cleanroom environment to manufacture space-flight hardware and contribute directly to mission-critical capabilities across Civil, Defense, and Tactical space programs.
This position is for a Focal Plane Packaging Engineer and will report to the Detector Technology Center of the Payload Engineering department within the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit of BAE Systems Space and Missions Systems (SMS).
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design and implement packaging concepts incorporating mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical requirements.
• Develop focal-plane packaging strategies and hands-on assembly processes enabling focal plane arrays across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, Visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) for space-based platforms.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed process documentation, including ensuring full configuration control of processes and associated records.
• Conduct manufacturing readiness reviews to demonstrate process maturity, quality assurance compliance, and adherence to configuration-controlled practices.
• Manufacture space-flight focal planes in a Class 100 cleanroom environment using electrostatic-controlled work practices, maintaining thorough build documentation throughout all assembly steps.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• High School Diploma and 4 years of engineering work experience.
• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science or another related technical field may substitute for 4 years of work experience
• Experience in microelectronics, detector packaging, precision assembly, or similar highly technical hardware environments.
• Ability to work hands-on with sensitive components in a cleanroom environment.
• Excellent documentation, process development, and configuration-control skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams
• A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

#LI-GJ1
A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science or another related technical field.
• Experience in the mechanical packaging of electro-optic detectors (or comparable microelectronics), with strong understanding of associated thermal and contamination constraints.
• Knowledge of die attach and adhesive technology; interconnect technologies including wire bonding, soldering and flip chip hybridization; cleaning techniques such as vacuum bake, plasma etch, and liquid chemical processes; precision optical alignment; thin film deposition; thermal control and structural designs.
• Knowledge of assembly protocols in Class 100 cleanroom and contamination mitigation.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $64926 - $110374
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.